Hypotension
is low blood pressure. Your blood pushes against your arteries with each
heartbeat. And the pushing of the blood against the artery walls is called
blood pressure.

Low blood
pressure is good in most cases. But low blood pressure can sometimes make you
feel tired or dizzy. In those cases, hypotension can be a sign of an underlying
condition that should be treated.

Blood
pressure is measured when your heart beats, and in the periods of rest between
heartbeats. The measurement of your blood pumping through your arteries when
the ventricles of the heart squeeze is called systolic pressure or systole. The
measurement for the periods of rest is called diastolic pressure, or diastole.

Systole
supplies your body with blood, and diastole supplies your heart with blood by
filling the coronary arteries. Blood pressure is written with the systolic
number above the diastolic number. Hypotension in adults is defined as blood
pressure of 90/60 or lower.

What causes hypotension?

Everyone’s
blood pressure drops at one time or another. And it often doesn’t cause any
noticeable symptoms. Certain conditions can cause prolonged periods of
hypotension that can become dangerous if left untreated. These conditions include:

pregnancy, due to an increase in
demand for blood from both mother and the growing fetus

large amounts of blood loss through
injury

impaired circulation caused by heart
attacks or faulty heart valves

weakness and a state of shock that
sometimes accompanies dehydration

anaphylactic shock, a severe form of
allergic reaction

infections of the bloodstream

endocrine disorders such as
diabetes, adrenal insufficiency, and thyroid disease

Medications
might also cause a drop in blood pressure. Beta-blockers and nitroglycerin,
used to treat heart disease, are common culprits. Diuretics, tricyclic
antidepressants, and erectile dysfunction drugs can also cause hypotension.

Some people
have low blood pressure for unknown reasons. This form of hypotension, called
chronic asymptomatic hypotension, isn’t usually harmful.

Types of hypotension

Hypotension
is divided into several different classifications according to when your blood
pressure drops.

Orthostatic

Orthostatic
hypotension is the drop in blood pressure that occurs when you transition from
sitting or lying down to standing. It is common in people of all ages.

As the body
adjusts to the position change there may be a brief period of dizziness. This
is what some people refer to as “seeing stars” when they get up.

Postprandial

Postprandial
hypotension is a drop in blood pressure that occurs right after eating. It is a
type of orthostatic hypotension. Older adults, especially those with
Parkinson’s disease, are more likely to develop postprandial hypotension.

Neurally mediated

Neurally
mediated hypotension happens after you stand for a long time. Children
experience this form of hypotension more often than adults. Emotionally
upsetting events can also cause this drop in blood pressure.

Severe

Severe
hypotension is related to shock. Shock occurs when your organs do not get the
blood and oxygen they need to function properly. Severe hypotension can be
life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Hypotension symptoms

People with
hypotension may experience unpleasant symptoms when their blood pressure drops
below 90/60. Symptoms of hypotension can include:

fatigue

lightheadedness

dizziness

nausea

clammy skin

depression

loss of consciousness

blurry vision

Symptoms can
range in severity. Some people may be slightly uncomfortable, while others may
feel quite ill.

Treatment for hypotension

Your
treatment will depend on the underlying cause of your hypotension. Treatment
could include medications for heart disease, diabetes, or infection.

Drink plenty
of water to avoid hypotension due to dehydration, especially if you are vomiting
or have diarrhea.

Staying
hydrated can also help treat and prevent the symptoms of neurally mediated
hypotension. If you suffer from low blood pressure when standing for long
periods, be sure to take a break to sit down. And try to reduce your stress
levels to avoid emotional trauma.

Treat
orthostatic hypotension with slow, gradual movements. Instead of standing up
quickly, work your way into a sitting or standing position using small
movements. You can also avoid orthostatic hypotension by not crossing your legs
when you sit.

Shock-induced
hypotension is the most serious form of the condition. Severe hypotension must
be treated immediately. Emergency personnel will give you fluids and possibly
blood products to increase your blood pressure and stabilize your vital signs.

Outlook

Most people
can manage and prevent hypotension effectively by understanding the condition
and being educated about it. Learn your triggers and try to avoid them as best
you can. And if you’re prescribed medication, take it as directed to increase
your blood pressure and to avoid potentially harmful complications.

And
remember, it’s always best to notify your doctor if you are concerned about
your blood pressure levels and any symptoms you might have.